Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the new base was evidence Britain was "stepping out" to the world. / AFP / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS
Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the new base was evidence Britain was "stepping out" to the world. / AFP / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS
Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the new base was evidence Britain was "stepping out" to the world. / AFP / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS
Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the new base was evidence Britain was "stepping out" to the world. / AFP / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS

Britain announces new military base in Oman


Gareth Browne
  • English
  • Arabic

Britain will open a new military base in Oman next year, sending hundreds of troops to the sultanate in the same month it is scheduled to leave the European Union.

The announcement was made by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, as he observed a major joint military exercise between the British and Omani armed forces.

The base will house hundreds of British troops and will be used as a training facility for the Omani armed forces.

The announcement comes two years after the countries signed a comprehensive military training agreement, and just weeks after Mr Williamson succeeded in securing an extra £1 billion in funding for the military in last month’s budget.

It is scheduled to open next March.

Mr Williamson said the move would strengthen Britain’s regional security commitment. “The symbolism of this Omani British base opening as we exit the European Union I hope isn’t lost on people,” he said.

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The Defense Secretary was in Oman observing the final days of Operation Saif Sarea 3 –  the exercise which saw 5,500 British troops training alongside almost 70,000 Omani soldiers. British tanks, fighter jets and war ships were all transported to the gulf for the five-week training exercise, designed to simulate an invasion.

Shortly after the announcement, Mr Williamson took a ride in a challenger tank in scenes similar to those of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher atop a tank in 1989.

Speaking from on board the HMS Albion, he said that both the new base and the exercise, refuted the idea that Britain’s departure from the EU was indicative of a wider withdrawal from international affairs. “This is the largest military exercise that is going on in the world at present. Britain isn’t retreating from the world. We are stepping out,” he said.

In a tweet, Mr Williamson thanked the Omani authorities and noted the close ties between the two countries’ armed forces. "I was delighted to spend time in Oman and I thank the Royal Omani Army, Navy and Air Force for their gracious hospitality. Saif Sarea embodies the close relationship between Omani and British forces and I look forward to strengthening the important bond between our two nations."

Last year, Britain signed a deal with Oman permitting the use of the Arabian Sea port of Duqm for British Naval ships, the new base will give Britain a permanent presence in the country for the first time since 1971.

The Sky Is Pink

Director: Shonali Bose

Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf

Three stars

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MATCH INFO

Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')

Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')

Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)

Results:

Men’s wheelchair 200m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 27.14; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 27.81; 3. Rheed McCracken (AUS) 27.81.

ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE FIXTURES

Thursday, September 21
Al Dahfra v Sharjah (kick-off 5.35pm)
Al Wasl v Emirates (8.30pm)

Friday, September 22
Dibba v Al Jazira (5.25pm)
Al Nasr v Al Wahda (8.30pm)

Saturday, September 23
Hatta v Al Ain (5.25pm)
Ajman v Shabab Al Ahli (8.30pm)

Get inspired

Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).

Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.  

Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?). 

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed